You may be thinking, “Can’t I just use my regular moisturiser around my eyes?” Well, you can… but eye cream exists for good reason. “Some of the active ingredients you may use around the eye area are similar to ingredients we use on other parts of our face, but the concentrations are often different to avoid irritating the delicate skin around the eye area,” explains Adelaide-based dermatologist Dr Aakriti Gupta.
“You also need to make sure that those products don’t have high levels of artificial fragrance or alcohol, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation.”
Many eye creams also target specific concerns such as puffiness, dryness, fine lines and dark circles. Here are four options you might consider.
1. An eye cream for fine lines
Developing smile lines around the eyes is a normal part of ageing (and a rather lovely reminder of life’s happy memories). The eye area is subject to constant movement as a result of blinking or facial expressions, which, along with environmental, pollution and collagen-reducing UV exposure, can also cause lines.
The fix: Keep smiling! But, if you’re bothered by your lines, reach for retinol. Also known as vitamin A, this active ingredient helps to increase collagen and elastin and boost cell turnover. For best results, use a retinol eye cream at night, and a peptide-rich eye cream in the morning, which, according to a 2022 study, is an effective line-reducing combo. Just remember that retinol can be irritating, so go gently – apply twice a week as you build up tolerance and use a gentle product on off days.
Try: Roc Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, $35. Pure retinol and minerals help to smooth lines and brighten skin.
2. An eye cream for dryness
The skin around the eyes is typically thin, with fewer oil glands to keep it plump and hydrated, which is why it’s often one of the first areas to show signs of ageing. A change in seasons, illness, stress, lack of sleep and dehydration can cause dryness and flakiness. Harsh cleansers and make-up removers can further deplete your skin’s protective barrier and make dryness worse.
The fix: Give that skin a drink, stat (and have a glass of water while you’re at it)! Hydration really is key, so look for a gentle, soothing formula packed with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which draws water from the air into your skin. In fact, this natural humectant also helps to rebuild and strengthen the unique microbiome on your skin.
Try: Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Triple Correction Eye Cream, $60
Packed with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to smooth, hydrate and brighten.
3. An eye cream for puffiness
Caffeine, dehydration, crying and sleeping are all culprits when it comes to puffy eyes. It can also occur with age as the tissue and muscles around the eyes weaken. If you see puffiness most often in the morning, that’s because fluid doesn’t drain as effectively when you’re horizontal.
The fix: Look for an eye cream with an applicator that allows you to massage the product in, increasing circulation and reducing swelling. Store in the fridge to keep it cool, which will help constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation and leave your eyes feeling refreshed. Avoid thick formulas in favour of a gel or lightweight cream.
Try: Murad Targeted Eye Depuffer, $99. Contains peptides, caffeine, light-reflecting minerals and a cooling applicator.
4. An eye cream for dark circles
Fatigue, genetics, allergies, unhealthy lifestyle factors, pigmentation, even thin or translucent skin, which means your blood vessels are visible, can all be responsible for dark circles under eyes.
The fix: Cosmetic creams can’t completely eliminate dark circles, but some ingredients are quite effective. Caffeine helps to constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing their appearance, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and B3 (also known as niacinamide) are known for their ability to decrease pigmentation and brighten the skin. Many eye creams contain light-reflecting particles called mica that ‘highlight’ the under-eye area and camouflage shadows.
Try: Dr Roebuck’s Down Under Collagen Boosting Eye Treatment, $58. Helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness with caffeine, arnica and cold-pressed rosehip oil.
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